There is more to finding a long distance provider than simply choosing the provider that offers the lowest long distance rate. One factor that is important is the fact that some services have a monthly fee. You may still be better off with a long distance provider that charges a monthly fee if the rate is quite a bit lower, or if it is a little bit lower and you use enough minutes to offset the difference. Another critical factor is where you call the most.  Some long distance services have special lower rates for in-state calls. Some long distance providers have lower rates for state-to-state long distance. One more factor is the billing increment. If a service is billed in six second increments and you make a lot of short calls, it may be a better deal than another long distance provider who offers 60 second increments at a slightly lower long distance rate. Other things to consider include whether there is a contract, some providers offer online account access, some long distance providers require a credit card for service, and some companies will only do online billing.

 

Free long distance provider comparison

	PowerNetGlobal  (3.9¢ per minute) - Ride the Light of the Fiber Optic Nationwide Network of Qwest. Toll free dial-around (PowerDial) and Travel Card (9.7¢/min) Services also available. Features 6-second billing, 18-second minimum for 4.25 and 4.5 long distance rate plans. No monthly fee if usage is over $15! *Toll Free Service Available - No service charges!*
	Covista Communications  (2.5¢ per minute) - Capsule Communications Cheap Long Distance Phone Service.  Outstanding (USA-48 origination) service, featuring low intrastate and 2.5¢ interstate long distance rates. 30-second billing increments! Online signup. For business and residential long distance users. Direct billed via U.S. mail. *Toll Free Service Available*
	Pioneer Telephone Long Distance Provider From 2.7¢/min, low international rates Traditional long distance provider with old fashioned customer service. No hidden surprises... just a simple, straightforward and honest company. Pioneer has not raised its domestic U.S. rates since 1989!
	OPEX Cheap Long Distance Provider (from 2.7¢ per minute) - OPEX Cheap Long Distance Phone Service.  Outstanding (USA origination) long distance service, featuring low intrastate and 2.95¢ interstate long distance rates. Full minute billing. Online signup. For commercial and residential long distance users. *100 free interstate minutes* *Toll Free Service Available* *Lowest long distance rates shown apply only in 'Baby Bell' Areas (Pacific Bell, Bell South, Ameritech, US West, Southwest Bell, Bell Atlantic)*
	Unitel (2.5¢ per minute) - Unitel Cheap Long Distance Phone Service.  Outstanding (USA-48 origination) service, featuring low intrastate and 2.5¢ interstate long distance rates. Six second billing - 18 second minimum. Online signup. For business and residential long distance users. Direct billed via U.S. mail. *Toll Free Service Available* *ONLY Available in 'Baby Bell' Areas (Pacific Bell, Bell South, Ameritech, US West, Southwest Bell, Bell Atlantic)*
	IBN Tel Super low USA and International rates! Superior service with ultra-low International and domestic rates as low as 2.3 ¢ per minute. Available throughout most of the continental United States. IBNTel uses a high quality network, so you don't have to substitute call quality for low rates!